25 USC Ch. 4: PERFORMANCE BY UNITED STATES OF OBLIGATIONS TO INDIANS

From Title 25—INDIANS

CHAPTER 4—PERFORMANCE BY UNITED STATES OF OBLIGATIONS TO INDIANS

SUBCHAPTER I—PURCHASE OF SUPPLIES

Sec.

91 to 96.

Omitted or Repealed.

97.

Proposals or bids for contracts to be preserved.

98.

Purchase of supplies without authority.

99.

Contracts for supplies in advance of appropriations.

100.

Repealed.

101.

Payment for wagon transportation.

102.

Payment of costs for furnishing coal for Indian Service.

103.

Repealed.

104.

Purchase of articles manufactured at schools.

SUBCHAPTER II—DISBURSEMENT OF MONEYS AND SUPPLIES

111.

Payment of moneys and distribution of goods.

112.

Persons present at delivery of goods and money.

113.

Mode of disbursements.

114.

Payment of annuities in coin.

115.

Payment of annuities in goods.

116.

Indians 18 years of age to have right to receipt for annuity.

117.

Repealed.

117a.

Per capita distribution of funds to tribe members.

117b.

Distribution of funds.

117c.

Standards for approval of tribal payments; United States not liable for distribution of funds; continuing responsibility under other provisions.

118.

Payments in satisfaction of judgments.

119.

Allotment of tribal funds to individual Indians.

120.

Per capita payments to enrolled members of Choctaw and Chickasaw Tribes.

121.

Payment of share of tribal funds to helpless Indians.

122.

Limitation on application of tribal funds.

123.

Expenditure from tribal funds without specific appropriations.

123a.

Tribal funds; use to purchase insurance for protection of tribal property.

123b.

Tribal funds for traveling and other expenses.

123c.

Advancement of tribal funds to Indian tribes; miscellaneous authorized purposes.

123d.

Additional appropriations from tribal funds.

124.

Expenditures from tribal funds of Five Civilized Tribes without specific appropriations.

125.

Expenditure of moneys of tribes of Quapaw Agency.

126 to 130.

Omitted or Repealed.

131.

Advances to disbursing officers.

132.

Mode of distribution of goods.

133.

Rolls of Indians entitled to supplies.

134.

Appropriations for supplies available immediately; time for distribution.

135.

Supplies distributed so as to prevent deficiencies.

136.

Commutation of rations and other supplies; payment per capita.

137, 138.

Repealed.

139.

Appropriations for subsistence.

140.

Diversion of appropriations for employees and supplies.

141 to 144. Omitted or Repealed.

145.

Accounts between United States and tribes under reimbursable appropriations.

146.

Report of Indians present and receiving food.

147.

Appropriations for specified buildings; use for transportation of materials.

148.

Appropriations for supplies; transfer to Indian Service supply fund; expenditure.

149.

Indian Water Rights Settlement Completion Fund.

SUBCHAPTER III—DEPOSIT, CARE, AND INVESTMENT OF INDIAN MONEYS

151.

Deposits in bank by disbursing agents.

152.

Proceeds of sales of Indian lands.

153.

Appropriation to carry out treaties.

154.

Proceeds of sales of lands not subject to certain deductions.

155.

Disposal of miscellaneous revenues from Indian reservations, etc.

155a.

Transferred.

155b.

Proceeds of labor accounts; deposits limited to funds held in trust for Indian tribes or individuals.

156.

Deposit of funds from sales of lands and property of Five Civilized Tribes.

157.

Investments of stock required by treaties.

158.

Investment of proceeds of lands.

159.

Moneys due incompetents or orphans.

160.

Custody of stocks or bonds held in trust for tribes.

161.

Deposit in Treasury of trust funds.

161a.

Tribal funds in trust in Treasury Department; investment by Secretary of the Treasury; maturities; interest; funds held in trust for individual Indians.

161b.

"Indian Money, Proceeds of Labor" fund; separate accounts for respective tribes; rate of interest.

161c.

Surplus above requirements of fund; transfer to surplus fund of Treasury; retransfer.

161d.

Disposition of accrued interest.

162.

Repealed.

162a.

Deposit of tribal funds in banks; bond or collateral security; investments; collections from irrigation projects; affirmative action required.

163.

Roll of membership of Indian tribes.

164.

Restoration to tribal ownership of unclaimed per capita and other individual payments of tribal trust funds; deposit in general fund of the Treasury.

165.

Notice to Congressional committees.

166.

Applicability of chapter 10 of title 5.

167.

Trust status of lease payments.

SUBCHAPTER I—PURCHASE OF SUPPLIES

§§91, 92. Omitted

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section 91, R.S. §2083, related to purchase of goods pursuant to any Indian treaty.

Section 92, R.S. §2084, related to purchase of goods by Office of Indian Affairs.

Statutory Notes and Executive Documents

Procurement Functions

Effective Jan. 1, 1947, Procurement Division of Department of the Treasury changed to Bureau of Federal Supply by regulation issued by Secretary of the Treasury under authority of section 301 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. Functions of Bureau of Federal Supply transferred to Administrator of General Services by section 102 of act June 30, 1949, ch. 288, title I, 63 Stat. 380, which was repealed and reenacted as section 303(a) of Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works, by Pub. L. 107–217, §§1, 6(b), Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1062, 1304. Section 303(a) of Title 40 was amended generally by Pub. L. 109–313, §2(a)(1), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1734, and, as so amended, no longer relates to the Bureau of Federal Supply. See Historical and Revision Notes and 2006 Amendment note under section 303 of Title 40.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Function of determination of policies and methods of procurement, warehousing, and distribution of property, facilities, structures, improvements, machinery, equipment, stores, and supplies exercised by any agency transferred to a Procurement Division in Department of the Treasury by Ex. Ord. No. 6166, June 10, 1933, set out as a note under section 901 of Title 5.

§93. Repealed. Oct. 10, 1940, ch. 851, §4, 54 Stat. 1112

Section, acts June 25, 1910, ch. 431, §23, 36 Stat. 861; May 18, 1916, ch. 125, §1, 39 Stat. 126; Jan. 12, 1927, ch. 27, 44 Stat. 936, related to purchase of Indian supplies and services.

§94. Repealed. Dec. 16, 1930, ch. 14, §1, 46 Stat. 1028

Section, act Apr. 30, 1908, ch. 153, 35 Stat. 71, related to purchase of supplies, advertisement therefor, and supplies for irrigation works.

§95. Repealed. Mar. 27, 1939, ch. 18, 53 Stat. 551

Section, acts June 22, 1874, ch. 389, §6, 18 Stat. 176; Mar. 3, 1875, ch. 132, §9, 18 Stat. 450; May 18, 1916, ch. 125, §1, 39 Stat. 129, referred to bids under advertisements for goods or supplies.

§96. Repealed. Pub. L. 104–316, title I, §112(a), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3833

Section, acts Mar. 3, 1875, ch. 132, §7, 18 Stat. 450; July 31, 1894, ch. 174, §§3, 7, 28 Stat. 205, 206; June 10, 1921, ch. 18, title III, §304, 42 Stat. 24, directed that copies of contracts made by Commissioner of Indian Affairs, or any other officer of Government for the Indian Service, be furnished to General Accounting Office prior to payment.

§97. Proposals or bids for contracts to be preserved

In all lettings of contracts in connection with the Indian Service, the proposals or bids received shall be filed and preserved..¹

(Aug. 15, 1876, ch. 289, §3, 19 Stat. 199; June 21, 1906, ch. 3504, 34 Stat. 328; Pub. L. 104–316, title I, §112(b), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3833.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1996—Pub. L. 104–316 substituted a period for "; and an abstract of all bids or proposals received for the supplies or services embraced in any contract shall be attached to, and filed with, the said contract when the same is filed in the office of the Second Comptroller of the Treasury".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

Effective Jan. 1, 1947, Procurement Division of Department of the Treasury changed to Bureau of Federal Supply by regulation issued by Secretary of the Treasury under authority of section 301 of Title 5. Functions of Bureau of Federal Supply transferred to Administrator of General Services by section 102 of act June 30, 1949, ch. 288, title I, 63 Stat. 380, which was repealed and reenacted as section 303(a) of Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works, by Pub. L. 107–217, §§1, 6(b), Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1062, 1304. Section 303(a) of Title 40 was amended generally by Pub. L. 109–313, §2(a)(1), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1734, and, as so amended, no longer relates to the Bureau of Federal Supply. See Historical and Revision Notes and 2006 Amendment note under section 303 of Title 40.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of the Interior, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of the Interior, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 3 of 1950, §§1, 2, eff. May 24, 1950, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1262, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

¹ So in original.

§98. Purchase of supplies without authority

No claims for supplies for Indians, purchased without authority of law, shall be paid out of any appropriation for expenses of the Office of Indian Affairs, or for Indians.

(R.S. §2085.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

R.S. §2085 derived from act July 15, 1870, ch. 296, §2, 16 Stat. 360.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

§99. Contracts for supplies in advance of appropriations

The Commissioner of Indian Affairs is authorized to advertise in the spring of each year for bids, and enter into contracts, subject to the approval of the Secretary of the Interior, for goods and supplies for the Indian Service required for the ensuing fiscal year, notwithstanding the fact that the appropriations for such fiscal year have not been made, and the contracts so made shall be on the basis of the appropriations for the preceding fiscal year, and shall contain a clause that no deliveries shall be made under the same and no liability attach to the United States in consequence of such execution if Congress fails to make an appropriation for such contract for the fiscal year for which those supplies are required.

(Aug. 15, 1894, ch. 290, §4, 28 Stat. 312.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

Effective Jan. 1, 1947, Procurement Division of Department of the Treasury changed to Bureau of Federal Supply by regulation issued by Secretary of the Treasury under authority of section 301 of Title 5. Functions of Bureau of Federal Supply transferred to Administrator of General Services by section 102 of act June 30, 1949, ch. 288, title I, 63 Stat. 380, which was repealed and reenacted as section 303(a) of Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works, by Pub. L. 107–217, §§1, 6(b), Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1062, 1304. Section 303(a) of Title 40 was amended generally by Pub. L. 109–313, §2(a)(1), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1734, and, as so amended, no longer relates to the Bureau of Federal Supply. See Historical and Revision Notes and 2006 Amendment note under section 303 of Title 40.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

§100. Repealed. Oct. 31, 1951, ch. 654, §1(48), 65 Stat. 703

Section, acts Mar. 3, 1877, ch. 101, §1, 19 Stat. 291; July 7, 1898, ch. 571, §1, 30 Stat. 676, related to transportation of Indian goods and supplies under contract or in open market.

§101. Payment for wagon transportation

All wagon transportation from the point where delivery is made by the last common carrier to the agency, school, or elsewhere, and between points on the reservation or elsewhere, shall be paid from the funds appropriated or otherwise available for the support of the school, agency, or other project for which the supplies to be transported are purchased.

(June 30, 1913, ch. 4, §1, 38 Stat. 79.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

§102. Payment of costs for furnishing coal for Indian Service

The cost of inspection, storage, transportation, and so forth, of coal for the Indian Service shall be paid from the support fund of the school or agency for which the coal is purchased.

(Feb. 14, 1920, ch. 75, §1, 41 Stat. 412.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

Functions of Archivist transferred to Administrator of General Services by section 104(a) of act June 30, 1949, ch. 288, title I, 63 Stat. 381. See text of, and Historical and Revision Notes under, section 2102 of Title 44, Public Printing and Documents. Transfer of functions effective July 1, 1949, see section 605, formerly §505, of act June 30, 1949, ch. 288, 63 Stat. 403; renumbered Sept. 5, 1950, ch. 849, §6(a), (b), 64 Stat. 583.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

§103. Repealed. Dec. 16, 1930, ch. 14, §1, 46 Stat. 1028

Section, act Apr. 30, 1908, ch. 153, 35 Stat. 73, related to maintenance of warehouses for goods of the Indian Service.

§104. Purchase of articles manufactured at schools

The Secretary of the Interior is authorized, whenever it can be done advantageously, to purchase for use in the Indian Service, from Indian manual and training schools, in the manner customary among individuals such articles as may be manufactured at such schools, and which are used in the Indian Service. Accounts of such transactions shall be kept in the Indian Bureau and in the training schools, and reports thereof made from time to time.

(May 11, 1880, ch. 85, §1, 21 Stat. 131.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

SUBCHAPTER II—DISBURSEMENT OF MONEYS AND SUPPLIES

§111. Payment of moneys and distribution of goods

The payment of all moneys and the distribution of all goods stipulated to be furnished to any Indians, or tribe of Indians, shall be made in one of the following ways, as the President or the Secretary of the Interior may direct:

First. To the chiefs of a tribe, for the tribe.

Second. In cases where the imperious interest of the tribe or the individuals intended to be benefited, or any treaty stipulation, requires the intervention of an agency, then to such person as the tribe shall appoint to receive such moneys or goods; or if several persons be appointed, then upon the joint order or receipt of such persons.

Third. To the heads of the families and to the individuals entitled to participate in the moneys or goods.

Fourth. By consent of the tribe, such moneys or goods may be applied directly, under such regulations, not inconsistent with treaty stipulations, as may be prescribed by the Secretary of the Interior, to such purposes as will best promote the happiness and prosperity of the members of the tribe, and will encourage able-bodied Indians in the habits of industry and peace.

(R.S. §2086.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

R.S. §2086 derived from acts June 30, 1834, ch. 162, §11, 4 Stat. 737; Mar. 3, 1847, ch. 66, §3, 9 Stat. 203; Aug. 30, 1852, ch. 103, §3, 10 Stat. 56; July 15, 1870, ch. 296, §§2, 3, 16 Stat. 360.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

§112. Persons present at delivery of goods and money

The superintendent, agent, or subagent, together with such military officer as the President may direct, shall be present, and certify to the delivery of all goods and money required to be paid or delivered to the Indians.

(R.S. §2088.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

R.S. §2088 derived from act June 30, 1834, ch. 162, §13, 4 Stat. 737.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Indian Agents

The services of Indian agents have been dispensed with. See note set out under section 64 of this title.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

§113. Mode of disbursements

At the discretion of the President all disbursements of moneys, whether for annuities or otherwise, to fulfill treaty stipulations with individual Indians or Indian tribes, shall be made in person by the superintendents of Indian affairs, where superintendencies exist, to all Indians or tribes within the limits of their respective superintendencies, in the presence of the local agents and interpreters, who shall witness the same, under such regulations as the Secretary of the Interior may direct.

(R.S. §2089.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

R.S. §2089 derived from act Mar. 3, 1857, ch. 90, §1, 11 Stat. 169.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Transfer of disbursement functions of all Government agencies with certain exceptions to the Fiscal Service, Department of the Treasury, see note set out under section 53 of this title.

§114. Payment of annuities in coin

The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to pay in coin such of the annuities as by the terms of any treaty of the United States with any Indian tribe are required to be paid in coin.

(R.S. §2081.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

R.S. §2081 derived from act Mar. 3, 1865, ch. 127, §3, 13 Stat. 561.

§115. Payment of annuities in goods

The President may, at the request of any Indian tribe, to which an annuity is payable in money, cause the same to be paid in goods, purchased as provided in section 91 of this title.

(R.S. §2082.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 91 of this title, referred to in text, was omitted from the Code.

Codification

R.S. §2082 derived from act June 30, 1834, ch. 162, §12, 4 Stat. 737.

§116. Indians 18 years of age to have right to receipt for annuity

All Indians, when they shall arrive at the age of eighteen years, shall have the right to receive and receipt for all annuity money that may be due or become due to them, if not otherwise incapacitated under the regulations of the Indian Office.

(Mar. 1, 1899, ch. 324, §8, 30 Stat. 947.)

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

§117. Repealed. Pub. L. 98–64, §4(a), Aug. 2, 1983, 97 Stat. 366

Section, act June 10, 1896, ch. 398, §1, 29 Stat. 336, directed that any sums of money to be paid per capita to individual Indians be paid to said Indians by an officer of the Government designated by the Secretary of the Interior. See section 117a et seq. of this title.

§117a. Per capita distribution of funds to tribe members

Funds which are held in trust by the Secretary of the Interior (hereinafter referred to as the "Secretary") for an Indian tribe and which are to be distributed per capita to members of that tribe may be so distributed by either the Secretary or, at the request of the governing body of the tribe and subject to the approval of the Secretary, the tribe. Any funds so distributed shall be paid by the Secretary or the tribe directly to the members involved or, if such members are minors or have been legally determined not competent to handle their own affairs, to a parent or guardian of such members or to a trust fund for such minors or legal incompetents as determined by the governing body of the tribe.

(Pub. L. 98–64, §1, Aug. 2, 1983, 97 Stat. 365.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Short Title

Pub. L. 98–64, Aug. 2, 1983, 97 Stat. 365, which enacted sections 117a to 117c and repealed section 117 of this title and repealed section 19 (per capita payments provisions) of act June 28, 1898, ch. 517, 30 Stat. 502, is popularly known as the "Per Capita Act".

§117b. Distribution of funds

(a) Previous contractual obligations; tax exemption

Funds distributed under sections 117a to 117c of this title shall not be liable for the payment of previously contracted obligations except as may be provided by the governing body of the tribe and distributions of such funds shall be subject to the provisions of section 7 of the Act of October 19, 1973 (87 Stat. 466), as amended [25 U.S.C. 1407].

(b) Funds appropriated in satisfaction of judgments

Nothing in sections 117a to 117c of this title shall affect the requirements of the Act of October 19, 1973 (87 Stat. 466), as amended [25 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.], or of any plan approved thereunder, with respect to the use or distribution of funds subject to that Act: Provided, That per capita payments made pursuant to a plan approved under that Act may be made by an Indian tribe as provided in section 117a of this title if all other provisions of the 1973 Act are met, including but not limited to, the protection of the interests of minors and incompetents in such funds.

(c) Shoshone Tribe and Arapaho Tribe of the Wind River Reservation, Wyoming

Nothing in sections 117a to 117c of this title, except the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, shall apply to the Shoshone Tribe and the Arapahoe ¹ Tribe of the Wind River Reservation, Wyoming.

(Pub. L. 98–64, §2, Aug. 2, 1983, 97 Stat. 365.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Act of October 19, 1973, referred to in subsec. (b), is Pub. L. 93–134, Oct. 19, 1973, 87 Stat. 466, known as the Indian Tribal Judgment Funds Use or Distribution Act, which is classified generally to chapter 16 (§1401 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1401(c) of this title and Tables.

¹ So in original. Probably should be "Arapaho".

§117c. Standards for approval of tribal payments; United States not liable for distribution of funds; continuing responsibility under other provisions

(a) The Secretary shall, by regulation, establish reasonable standards for the approval of tribal payments pursuant to section 117a of this title and, where approval is given under such regulations, the United States shall not be liable with respect to any distribution of funds by a tribe under sections 117a to 117c of this title.

(b) Nothing in sections 117a to 117c of this title shall otherwise absolve the United States from any other responsibility to the Indians, including those which derive from the trust relationship and from any treaties, Executive orders, or agreements between the United States and any Indian tribe.

(Pub. L. 98–64, §3, Aug. 2, 1983, 97 Stat. 365.)

§118. Payments in satisfaction of judgments

Payments to Indians made from moneys appropriated by Congress in satisfaction of the judgment of any court shall be made under the direction of the officers of the Interior Department charged by law with the supervision of Indian affairs, and all such payments shall be accounted for to the Treasury in conformity with law.

(Mar. 3, 1911, ch. 210, §28, 36 Stat. 1077.)

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Transfer of disbursement functions of all Government agencies with certain exceptions to the Fiscal Service, Department of the Treasury, see note set out under section 53 of this title.

§119. Allotment of tribal funds to individual Indians

The Secretary of the Interior is authorized, in his discretion, from time to time, to designate any individual Indian belonging to any tribe or tribes whom he may deem to be capable of managing his or her affairs, and he may cause to be apportioned and allotted to any such Indian his or her pro rata share of any tribal or trust funds on deposit in the Treasury of the United States to the credit of the tribe or tribes of which said Indian is a member, and the amount so apportioned and allotted shall be placed to the credit of such Indian upon the books of the Treasury, and the same shall thereupon be subject to the order of such Indian: Provided, That no apportionment or allotment shall be made to any Indian until such Indian has first made an application therefor: Provided further, That the Secretaries of the Interior and of the Treasury are directed to withhold from such apportionment and allotment a sufficient sum of the said Indian funds as may be necessary or required to pay any existing claims against said Indians that may be pending for settlement by judicial determination in the United States Court of Federal Claims or in the Executive Departments of the Government, at time of such apportionment and allotment.

(Mar. 2, 1907, ch. 2523, §1, 34 Stat. 1221; Pub. L. 97–164, title I, §160(a)(7), Apr. 2, 1982, 96 Stat. 48; Pub. L. 102–572, title IX, §902(b)(1), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4516.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1992—Pub. L. 102–572 substituted "United States Court of Federal Claims" for "United States Claims Court".

1982—Pub. L. 97–164 substituted "United States Claims Court" for "Court of Claims".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1992 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–572 effective Oct. 29, 1992, see section 911 of Pub. L. 102–572, set out as a note under section 171 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.

Effective Date of 1982 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–164 effective Oct. 1, 1982, see section 402 of Pub. L. 97–164, set out as a note under section 171 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

§120. Per capita payments to enrolled members of Choctaw and Chickasaw Tribes

The Secretary of the Interior, under rules and regulations to be prescribed by him, is authorized to make per capita payments of not to exceed $200 annually to the enrolled members of the Choctaw and Chickasaw Tribes of Indians of Oklahoma, entitled under existing law to share in the funds of said tribes, or to their lawful heirs, of all the available money held by the Government of the United States for the benefit of said tribes in excess of that required for expenditures authorized by annual appropriations made therefrom or by existing law.

(Feb. 14, 1920, ch. 75, §18, 41 Stat. 427.)

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

§121. Payment of share of tribal funds to helpless Indians

The pro rata share of any Indian who is mentally or physically incapable of managing his or her own affairs may be withdrawn from the Treasury in the discretion of the Secretary of the Interior and expended for the benefit of such Indian under such rules, regulations, and conditions as the said Secretary may prescribe: Provided, That said funds of any Indian shall not be withdrawn from the Treasury until needed by the Indian and upon his application and when approved by the Secretary of the Interior.

(Mar. 2, 1907, ch. 2523, §2, 34 Stat. 1221; May 18, 1916, ch. 125, §1, 39 Stat. 128.)

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

§122. Limitation on application of tribal funds

No funds belonging to any Indian tribe with which treaty relations exist shall be applied in any manner not authorized by such treaty, or by express provisions of law; nor shall money appropriated to execute a treaty be transferred or applied to any other purpose, unless expressly authorized by law.

(R.S. §2097.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

R.S. §2097 derived from act July 26, 1866, ch. 266, §2, 14 Stat. 280.

§123. Expenditure from tribal funds without specific appropriations

No money shall be expended from Indian tribal funds without specific appropriation by Congress except as follows: Equalization of allotments, education of Indian children in accordance with existing law, per capita and other payments, all of which are hereby continued in full force and effect: Provided, That this shall not change existing law with reference to the Five Civilized Tribes.

(May 18, 1916, ch. 125, §27, 39 Stat. 158.)

§123a. Tribal funds; use to purchase insurance for protection of tribal property

On and after April 13, 1926, the funds of any tribe of Indians under the control of the United States may be used for payments of insurance premiums for protection of the property of the tribe against fire, theft, tornado, hail, earthquake, or other elements and forces of nature, and for protection against liability on account of injuries or damages to persons or property and other like claims.

(Apr. 13, 1926, ch. 118, 44 Stat. 242; Aug. 2, 1946, ch. 754, 60 Stat. 852.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1946—Act Aug. 2, 1946, provided for use of funds to pay premiums on personal and property damage insurance.

§123b. Tribal funds for traveling and other expenses

On and after May 9, 1938, tribal funds shall be available for appropriation by Congress for traveling and other expenses, including supplies and equipment, of members of tribal councils, business committees, or other tribal organizations, when engaged on business of the tribes.

(May 9, 1938, ch. 187, §1, 52 Stat. 315.)

§123c. Advancement of tribal funds to Indian tribes; miscellaneous authorized purposes

On and after October 12, 1984, tribal funds may be advanced to Indian tribes during each fiscal year for such purposes as may be designated by the governing body of the particular tribe involved and approved by the Secretary including: expenditures for the benefit of Indians and Indian tribes; care, tuition, and other assistance to Indian children attending public and private schools (which may be paid in advance or from date of admission); purchase of land and improvements on land, title to which shall be taken in the name of the United States in trust for the tribe for which purchased; lease of lands and water rights; compensation and expenses of attorneys and other persons employed by Indian tribes under approved contracts; pay, travel, and other expenses of tribal officers, councils, committees, and employees thereof, or other tribal organizations, including mileage for use of privately owned automobiles and per diem in lieu of subsistence at rates established administratively but not to exceed those applicable to civilian employees of the Government; and relief of Indians, including cash grants.

(Pub. L. 98–473, title I, §101(c) [title I, §100], Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 1837, 1849.)

§123d. Additional appropriations from tribal funds

In addition to the tribal funds authorized to be expended by existing law, there is appropriated in fiscal year 1988 and thereafter to the Secretary of the Interior for the benefit of the tribes on whose behalf such funds were collected, not to exceed $1,000,000 in each fiscal year from tribal funds not otherwise available for expenditure.

(Pub. L. 100–202, §101(g) [title I, §100], Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1329–213, 1329-230.)

§124. Expenditures from tribal funds of Five Civilized Tribes without specific appropriations

No money shall be expended from tribal funds belonging to the Five Civilized Tribes without specific appropriation by Congress.

(May 24, 1922, ch. 199, 42 Stat. 575.)

§125. Expenditure of moneys of tribes of Quapaw Agency

No moneys shall be expended from tribal or individual funds belonging to the Quapaw or other tribes of Indians of the Quapaw Agency in the State of Oklahoma without specific authority of law.

(June 30, 1919, ch. 4, §17, 41 Stat. 20.)

§126. Omitted

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section, R.S. §2098, relating to payment of claims for Indian depredations, was omitted upon recommendation by Secretary of the Interior that this section be repealed as present day conditions make it unnecessary.

§127. Repealed. Pub. L. 117–317, §2(2), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4419

Section, R.S. §2100; May 29, 1928, ch. 901, §1(81), 45 Stat. 992, disallowed payment to hostile Indian tribes of moneys or annuities stipulated by a treaty.

§128. Repealed. Pub. L. 117–317, §2(3), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4419

Section, act Mar. 3, 1875, ch. 132, §2, 18 Stat. 449, prohibited payment of appropriations made for the Indian Service to Indians at war with the United States.

§129. Repealed. Pub. L. 117–317, §2(4), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4419

Section, act Mar. 3, 1875, ch. 132, §1, 18 Stat. 424, withheld money from Indian tribes holding captives other than Indians.

§130. Repealed. Pub. L. 117–317, §2(5), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4419

Section, R.S. §2087, withheld annuities, money, and goods from Indians based on being under the influence of or having access to intoxicating liquor.

§131. Advances to disbursing officers

No superintendent of Indian affairs, or Indian agent, or other disbursing officer in such service, shall have advanced to him, on Indian or public account, any money to be disbursed in future, until such superintendent, agent, or officer in such service has settled his accounts of the preceding year, and has satisfactorily shown that all balances in favor of the Government, which may appear to be in his hands, are ready to be paid over on the order of the Secretary of the Interior.

(R.S. §2092.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

R.S. §2092 derived from act June 27, 1846, ch. 34, §1, 9 Stat. 20.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Indian Agents

The services of Indian agents have been dispensed with. See note set out under section 64 of this title.

Superintendent of Indian Affairs

No appropriation for any superintendent of Indian affairs has been made since act Mar. 3, 1877, ch. 101, §1, 19 Stat. 271.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Transfer of disbursement functions of all Government agencies with certain exceptions to the Fiscal Service, Treasury Department, see note set out under section 53 of this title.

§132. Mode of distribution of goods

Whenever goods and merchandise are delivered to the chiefs of a tribe, for the tribe, such goods and merchandise shall be turned over by the agent or superintendent of such tribe to the chiefs in bulk, and in the original package, as nearly as practicable, and in the presence of the headmen of the tribe, if practicable, to be distributed to the tribe by the chiefs in such manner as the chiefs may deem best, in the presence of the agent or superintendent.

(R.S. §2090.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

R.S. §2090 derived from act Apr. 10, 1869, ch. 16, §2, 16 Stat. 39.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Indian Agents

The services of Indian agents have been dispensed with. See note set out under section 64 of this title.

§133. Rolls of Indians entitled to supplies

For the purpose of properly distributing the supplies appropriated for the Indian Service, it is made the duty of each agent in charge of Indians and having supplies to distribute, to make out, at the commencement of each fiscal year, rolls of the Indians entitled to supplies at the agency, with the names of the Indians and of the heads of families or lodges, with the number in each family or lodge, and to give out supplies to the heads of families, and not to the heads of tribes or bands, and not to give out supplies for a greater length of time than one week in advance.

(Mar. 3, 1875, ch. 132, §4, 18 Stat. 449.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Indian Agents

The services of Indian agents have been dispensed with. See note set out under section 64 of this title.

§134. Appropriations for supplies available immediately; time for distribution

So much of the appropriations of any annual Indian Appropriation Act as may be required to pay for goods and supplies, for expenses incident to their purchase, and for transportation of the same, for the fiscal year for which such appropriations are made, shall be immediately available, upon the approval of such Act, but no such goods or supplies shall be distributed or delivered to any of said Indians prior to the beginning of such fiscal year.

(Mar. 1, 1907, ch. 2285, 34 Stat. 1016.)

§135. Supplies distributed so as to prevent deficiencies

It shall be the duty of the Secretary of the Interior, and the officers charged by law with the distribution of supplies to the Indians, under appropriations made by law, to distribute them and pay them out to the Indians entitled to them, in such proper proportions as that the amount of appropriation made for the current year shall not be expended before the end of such current year, so as to prevent deficiencies; and no expenditure shall be made or liability incurred on the part of the Government on account of the Indian Service for any fiscal year (unless in compliance with existing law) beyond the amount of money previously appropriated for said service during such year.

(Mar. 3, 1875, ch. 132, §6, 18 Stat. 450.)

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

§136. Commutation of rations and other supplies; payment per capita

When, in the judgment of the Secretary of the Interior, any Indian tribe, or part thereof, who are receiving rations and clothing and other supplies under the Act of July 1, 1898, chapter 545, are sufficiently advanced in civilization to purchase such rations and clothing and other supplies judiciously, they may commute the same and pay the value thereof in money per capita to such tribe or part thereof, the manner of such payment to be prescribed by the Secretary of the Interior.

(July 1, 1898, ch. 545, §7, 30 Stat. 596.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Act of July 1, 1898, referred to in text, is act July 1, 1898, ch. 545, 30 Stat. 573, which enacted sections 32, 136, and 191 of this title and amended section 27 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

§§137, 138. Repealed. Pub. L. 117–317, §2(6), (7), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4419

Section 137, act Mar. 3, 1875, ch. 132, §3, 18 Stat. 449, related to requiring able-bodied male Indians to perform service on the reservation in order to receive appropriated supplies and annuities.

Section 138, R.S. §2101, related to withholding of goods from chiefs violating treaty stipulations.

§139. Appropriations for subsistence

The Secretary of the Interior, under the direction of the President, may use any surplus that may remain in any of the appropriations for the purchase of subsistence for the several Indian tribes, to an amount not exceeding $25,000 in the aggregate, to supply any subsistence deficiency that may occur: Provided, That any diversions which shall be made under authority of this section shall be reported in detail, and the reason therefor, to Congress, at the session of Congress next succeeding such diversion.

(Mar. 1, 1907, ch. 2285, 34 Stat. 1016.)

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

§140. Diversion of appropriations for employees and supplies

The several appropriations made for millers, blacksmiths, engineers, carpenters, physicians, and other persons, and for various articles provided for by treaty stipulation for the several Indian tribes, may be diverted to other uses for the benefit of said tribes, respectively, within the discretion of the President, and with the consent of said tribes, expressed in the usual manner; and he shall cause report to be made to Congress, at its next session thereafter, of his action under this provision.

(Mar. 1, 1907, ch. 2285, 34 Stat. 1016.)

Executive Documents

Delegation of Functions

For delegation to Secretary of the Interior of authority vested in President by this section, see Ex. Ord. No. 10250, June 5, 1951, 16 F.R. 5385, set out as a note under section 301 of Title 3, The President.

§141. Omitted

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section, R.S. §2110, which related to issuance of army rations to Indians, was omitted on recommendation of Secretary of the Interior that this section be repealed because the practice of issuing army rations to Indians is no longer in use.

§142. Repealed. May 29, 1928, ch. 901, §1(87), 45 Stat. 992

Section, act May 18, 1916, ch. 125, §27, 39 Stat. 158, related to annual reports to Congress of tribal financial matters.

§143. Repealed. Aug. 30, 1954, ch. 1076, §1(24), 68 Stat. 968

Section, act Mar. 3, 1911, ch. 210, §27, 36 Stat. 1077, required Secretary of the Interior to submit an annual report to Speaker of House of Representatives of fiscal affairs of all Indian tribes for whose benefit expenditures from either public or tribal funds were made by any officer, clerk, or employee in Department of the Interior.

§144. Repealed. May 29, 1928, ch. 901, §1(66), 45 Stat. 991

Section, act Aug. 1, 1914, ch. 222, §1, 38 Stat. 587, related to an annual report of moneys appropriated for encouragement of industry.

§145. Accounts between United States and tribes under reimbursable appropriations

The Secretary of the Interior shall cause to be stated annual accounts between the United States and each tribe of Indians arising under appropriations made, which by law are required to be reimbursed to the United States, crediting in said accounts the sums so reimbursed, if any; and the Secretary of the Interior shall pay, out of any fund or funds belonging to such tribe or tribes of Indians applicable thereto and held by the United States in trust or otherwise, all balances of accounts due to the United States and not already reimbursed to the Treasury, and deposit such sums in the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts; and such accounts shall be received and examined by the Government Accountability Office and the balances arising thereon certified to the Secretary of the Treasury.

(Apr. 4, 1910, ch. 140, §1, 36 Stat. 270; June 10, 1921, ch. 18, title III, §304, 42 Stat. 24; Pub. L. 108–271, §8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

"Government Accountability Office" substituted in text for "General Accounting Office" pursuant to section 8(b) of Pub. L. 108–271, set out as a note under section 702 of Title 31, Money and Finance, which redesignated the General Accounting Office and any references thereto as the Government Accountability Office. Previously, "General Accounting Office" substituted in text for "proper auditor of the Treasury Department" pursuant to act June 10, 1921, which transferred all powers and duties of the Comptroller, six auditors, and certain other employees of the Treasury to the General Accounting Office. See section 701 et seq. of Title 31.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

§146. Report of Indians present and receiving food

Whenever the issue of food, clothing, or supplies of any kind to Indians is provided for, it shall be the duty of the agent or commissioner issuing the same, at such issue thereof, whether it be both of food and clothing, or either of them, or of any kind of supplies, to report to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs the number of Indians present and actually receiving the same.

(R.S. §2109.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

R.S. §2109 derived from act Feb. 14, 1873, ch. 138, §7, 17 Stat. 463, 464.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Indian Agents

The services of Indian agents have been dispensed with. See note set out under section 64 of this title.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

§147. Appropriations for specified buildings; use for transportation of materials

Appropriations for specified buildings in the Indian Service shall be used for the transportation of materials purchased therefrom.

(Jan. 12, 1927, ch. 27, §1, 44 Stat. 939.)

§148. Appropriations for supplies; transfer to Indian Service supply fund; expenditure

From time to time there is authorized to be transferred from each or any appropriation or fund available for the purchase of supplies for the Indian Service, to a fund to be set up and carried on the books of the Treasury as an Indian Service supply fund, such amounts as the Secretary of the Interior may estimate to be required to pay for supplies purchased through Indian warehouses for the Indian field service; and the expenditure of the said Indian Service supply fund for the purpose stated is hereby authorized, necessary adjustments to be made thereafter to the end that each appropriation and fund ultimately will be charged only with the cost of the supplies legally chargeable thereto.

(Jan. 12, 1927, ch. 27, §1, 44 Stat. 939.)

§149. Indian Water Rights Settlement Completion Fund

(a) Establishment

There is established in the Treasury of the United States a fund to be known as the "Indian Water Rights Settlement Completion Fund" (referred to in this section as the "Fund").

(b) Deposits

(1) In general

On the later of October 1, 2021, and November 15, 2021, out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the Treasury shall deposit in the Fund $2,500,000,000, to remain available until expended.

(2) Availability

Amounts deposited in the Fund under paragraph (1) shall be available to the Secretary of the Interior, without further appropriation or fiscal year limitation, for the uses described in subsection (c).

(c) Uses

Subject to subsection (d), amounts deposited in the Fund under subsection (b) shall be used by the Secretary of the Interior for transfers to funds or accounts authorized to receive discretionary appropriations, or to satisfy other obligations identified by the Secretary of the Interior, under an Indian water settlement approved and authorized by an Act of Congress before November 15, 2021.

(d) Scope of transfers

(1) In general

Transfers authorized under subsection (c) shall be made in such amounts as are determined by the Secretary of the Interior to be appropriate to satisfy the obligations of the United States, including appropriate indexing, pursuant to the applicable Indian water settlement.

(2) Sequence and timing

The Secretary of the Interior shall have the discretion to determine the sequence and timing of transfers from the Fund under subsection (c) in order to substantially complete the eligible Indian water settlements as expeditiously as practicable.

(Pub. L. 117–58, div. G, title I, §70101, Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 1250.)

SUBCHAPTER III—DEPOSIT, CARE, AND INVESTMENT OF INDIAN MONEYS

§151. Deposits in bank by disbursing agents

Any United States Indian agent, superintendent, or other disbursing agent of the Indian Service may deposit Indian moneys, individual or tribal, coming into his hands as custodian, in such national bank or banks as he may select: Provided, That the bank or banks so selected by him shall first execute to said disbursing agent a bond, with approved surety, in such an amount as will properly safeguard the funds to be deposited. Such bond shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary of the Interior.

(Apr. 30, 1908, ch. 153, 35 Stat. 73; June 25, 1910, ch. 431, §1, 36 Stat. 855; Mar. 3, 1928, ch. 122, 45 Stat. 161; Apr. 30, 1934, ch. 169, 48 Stat. 648.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

This section is also set out in the last two provisos of section 372 of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Indian Agents

The services of Indian agents have been dispensed with. See note set out under section 64 of this title.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Transfer of disbursement functions of all Government agencies with certain exceptions to the Fiscal Service, Treasury Department, see note set out under section 53 of this title.

§152. Proceeds of sales of Indian lands

All moneys received from the sales of lands that have been, or may be, ceded to the United States by Indian tribes, by treaties providing for the investment or payment to the Indians, parties thereto, of the proceeds of the lands ceded by them, respectively, after deducting the expenses of survey and sale, any sums stipulated to be advanced, and the expenses of fulfilling any engagements contained therein, shall be paid into the Treasury in the same manner that moneys received from the sales of public lands are paid into the Treasury.

(R.S. §2093.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

R.S. §2093 derived from act Jan. 9, 1837, ch. 1, §1, 5 Stat. 135.

§153. Appropriation to carry out treaties

All sums that are or may be required to be paid, and all moneys that are or may be required to be invested by the treaties mentioned in section 152 of this title are appropriated in conformity to them, and shall be drawn from the Treasury as other public moneys are drawn therefrom, under such instructions as may from time to time be given by the President.

(R.S. §2094.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

R.S. §2094 derived from act Jan. 9, 1837, ch. 1, §2, 5 Stat. 135.

§154. Proceeds of sales of lands not subject to certain deductions

No part of the expenses of the public lands service shall be deducted from the proceeds of Indian lands sold through the Bureau of Land Management, except as authorized by the treaty or agreement providing for the disposition of the lands.

(July 4, 1884, ch. 180, §10, 23 Stat. 98; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, §403, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1100.)

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

"Bureau of Land Management" substituted in text for "General Land Office" pursuant to section 403 of Reorg. Plan No. 3 of 1946, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, which established the Bureau and transferred thereto the functions of the General Land Office.

§155. Disposal of miscellaneous revenues from Indian reservations, etc.

All miscellaneous revenues derived from Indian reservations, agencies, and schools, except those of the Five Civilized Tribes and not the result of the labor of any member of such tribe, which are not required by existing law to be otherwise disposed of, shall be covered into the Treasury of the United States under the caption "Indian moneys, proceeds of labor", and are made available for expenditure, in the discretion of the Secretary of the Interior, for the benefit of the Indian tribes, agencies, and schools on whose behalf they are collected, subject, however, to the limitations as to tribal funds, imposed by sections 123 and 142 ¹ of this title.

(Mar. 3, 1883, ch. 141, §2, 22 Stat. 590; Mar. 2, 1887, ch. 320, 24 Stat. 463; May 17, 1926, ch. 309, §1, 44 Stat. 560; May 29, 1928, ch. 901, §1(68), 45 Stat. 991.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 142 of this title, referred to in text, was repealed by act May 29, 1928, ch. 901, §1(87), 45 Stat. 992.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Repeals

Act May 29, 1928, repealed the provisions of acts Mar. 3, 1883 and Mar. 2, 1887, which related to Indian moneys, proceeds of labor.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

¹ See References in Text note below.

§155a. Transferred

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section, act May 17, 1926, ch. 309, §1, 44 Stat. 560, which related to disposal of miscellaneous revenues from Indian reservations, was merged into section 155 of this title.

§155b. Proceeds of labor accounts; deposits limited to funds held in trust for Indian tribes or individuals

Except in the case of funds held in trust for Indian tribes or individuals, the funds available for expenditure under the "Indian moneys, proceeds of labor" accounts authorized by section 155 of this title may be expended until September 30, 1982 for any purpose for which funds are appropriated under the subheading "Operation of Indian Programs".

No funds shall be deposited in such "Indian money, proceeds of labor" (IMPL) accounts after September 30, 1982. The unobligated balance in IMPL accounts as of the close of business on September 30, 1982, including the income resulting from the investment of funds from such accounts prior to such date, shall be transferred to and held in escrow accounts at the locations of the IMPL accounts from which they are transferred. Funds in such escrow accounts may be invested as provided in section 162a of this title and the investment income added to such accounts. The Secretary shall determine no later than September 30, 1985 (after consultation with appropriate tribes and individual Indians) the extent to which the funds held in such escrow accounts represent income from the investment of special deposits relating to specific tribes or individual Indians. Upon such a determination by the Secretary and express acceptance of the determination by the beneficiary, the Secretary shall transfer such funds to trust accounts for such tribes or individual Indians. Not more than ten percent of the funds transferred to trust accounts for any tribe or individual Indian under this provision may be utilized to pay for legal or other representation relating to claims for such funds. Not to exceed two percent of the funds transferred from the IMPL accounts shall be available to reimburse the Bureau of Indian Affairs for administrative expenses incurred in determining ownership of the funds. Acceptance of a determination by the Secretary and the transfer of funds under this provision shall constitute a complete release and waiver of any and all claims by the beneficiary against the United States relating to the unobligated balance of IMPL accounts as of the close of business on September 30, 1982. During the period of October 1, 1985 through September 30, 1987, or earlier if a Secretarial determination on ownership and appropriate fund transfers has been completed, the funds remaining in such escrow accounts because they have not been transferred to trust accounts, may be expended subject to the approval of the Secretary for any purpose authorized under section 13 of this title and requested by the respective governing bodies of the tribes at the locations where such accounts are maintained. The unobligated balances of such escrow accounts as of the close of business on September 30, 1987, shall be deposited into miscellaneous receipts of the Treasury.

(Pub. L. 97–100, title I, §100, Dec. 23, 1981, 95 Stat. 1400; Pub. L. 97–257, title I, §100, Sept. 10, 1982, 96 Stat. 839.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The purposes for which funds are appropriated under the subheading "Operation of Indian Programs", referred to in text, are the purposes enumerated in the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriation Act, 1982, Pub. L. 97–100, title I, §100, Dec. 23, 1981, 95 Stat. 1399.

Amendments

1982—Pub. L. 97–257 substituted "No funds shall be deposited in such 'Indian money, proceeds of labor' (IMPL) accounts after September 30, 1982" for "On September 30, 1982, the balance of such accounts (except for the funds held in trust for Indian tribes or individuals, and not to exceed $10,000,000 which shall be available until expended by eligible tribes for purposes approved by the Bureau of Indian Affairs) shall be deposited into miscellaneous receipts of the Treasury to offset outlays of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and thereafter no funds shall be deposited in such accounts other than funds held in trust for Indian tribes or individuals" and inserted provisions that the unobligated balance in IMPL accounts as of the close of business on September 30, 1982, including the income resulting from the investment of funds from such accounts prior to such date, be transferred to and held in escrow accounts at the locations of the IMPL accounts from which they are transferred, that Funds in such escrow accounts may be invested as provided in section 162a of this title and the investment income added to such accounts, that the Secretary determine no later than September 30, 1985 (after consultation with appropriate tribes and individual Indians) the extent to which the funds held in such escrow accounts represent income from the investment of special deposits relating to specific tribes or individual Indians, that upon such a determination by the Secretary and express acceptance of the determination by the beneficiary, the Secretary transfer such funds to trust accounts for such tribes or individual Indians, that not more than ten percent of the funds transferred to trust accounts for any tribe or individual Indian under this provision be utilized to pay for legal or other representation relating to claims for such funds, that not to exceed two percent of the funds transferred from the IMPL accounts be available to reimburse the Bureau of Indian Affairs for administrative expenses incurred in determining ownership of the funds, that acceptance of a determination by the Secretary and the transfer of funds under this provision constitute a complete release and waiver of any and all claims by the beneficiary against the United States relating to the unobligated balance of IMPL accounts as of the close of business on September 30, 1982, that during the period of October 1, 1985 through September 30, 1987, or earlier if determination on ownership and appropriate fund transfers has been completed, the funds remaining in such escrow accounts may be expended subject to the approval of the Secretary under section 13 of this title and requested by the respective governing bodies of the tribes, and that the unobligated balances of escrow accounts as of the close of business on September 30, 1987, be deposited into miscellaneous receipts of the Treasury.

§156. Deposit of funds from sales of lands and property of Five Civilized Tribes

The net receipts from the sales of surplus and unallotted lands and other tribal property belonging to any of the Five Civilized Tribes, after deducting the necessary expense of advertising and sale, may be deposited in national or State banks in the State of Oklahoma in the discretion of the Secretary of the Interior, such depositories to be designated by him under such rules and regulations governing the rate of interest thereon, the time of deposit and withdrawal thereof, and the security therefor, as he may prescribe. The interest accruing on such funds may be used to defray the expense of the per capita payments of such funds.

(Mar. 3, 1911, ch. 210, §17, 36 Stat. 1070.)

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

§157. Investments of stock required by treaties

All investments of stock, that are or may be required by treaties with the Indians, shall be made under the direction of the President; and special accounts of the funds under such treaties shall be kept at the Treasury, and statements thereof be annually laid before Congress.

(R.S. §2095.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

R.S. §2095 derived from act Jan. 9, 1837, ch. 1, §3, 5 Stat. 135.

§158. Investment of proceeds of lands

The Secretary of the Interior shall invest in a manner which shall be in his judgment most safe and beneficial for the fund, all moneys that may be received under treaties containing stipulations for the payment to the Indians, annually, of interest upon the proceeds of the lands ceded by them; and he shall make no investment of such moneys, or of any portion, at a lower rate of interest than 5 per centum per annum.

(R.S. §2096.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

R.S. §2096 derived from act Jan. 9, 1837, ch. 1, §4, 5 Stat. 135.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

§159. Moneys due incompetents or orphans

The Secretary of the Interior is directed to cause settlements to be made with all persons appointed by the Indian councils to receive moneys due to incompetent or orphan Indians, and to require all moneys found to be due to such incompetent or orphan Indians to be returned to the Treasury; and all moneys so returned shall bear interest at the rate of 6 per centum per annum, until paid by order of the Secretary of the Interior to those entitled to the same. No money shall be paid to any person appointed by any Indian council to receive moneys due to incompetent or orphan Indians, but the same shall remain in the Treasury of the United States until ordered to be paid by the Secretary to those entitled to receive the same, and shall bear 6 per centum interest until so paid.

(R.S. §2108.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

R.S. §2108 derived from act July 5, 1862, ch. 135, §6, 12 Stat. 529.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

§160. Custody of stocks or bonds held in trust for tribes

All stocks, bonds, or other securities or evidences of indebtedness held by the Secretary of the Interior on June 10, 1876, in trust for the benefit of certain Indian tribes shall, within thirty days from that date, be transferred to the Treasurer of the United States, who shall become the custodian thereof; and it shall be the duty of said Treasurer to collect all interest falling due on said bonds, stocks, and so forth, and deposit the same in the Treasury of the United States, and to issue certificates of deposit therefor, in favor of the Secretary of the Interior, as trustee for various Indian tribes. And the Treasurer of the United States shall also become the custodian of all bonds and stocks which may be purchased for the benefit of any Indian tribe or tribes after the transfer of funds herein authorized, and shall make all purchases and sales of bonds and stocks authorized by treaty stipulations or by acts of Congress when requested so to do by the Secretary of the Interior: Provided, That nothing in this section shall in any manner impair or affect the supervisory and appellate powers and duties in regard to Indian affairs which may be vested in the Secretary of the Interior as trustee for various Indian tribes, except as to the custody of said bonds and the collection of interest thereon as hereinbefore mentioned.

(June 10, 1876, ch. 122, 19 Stat. 58.)

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of the Treasury, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of the Treasury, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 26 of 1950, §§1, 2, eff. July 31, 1950, 15 F.R. 4935, 64 Stat. 1280, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§161. Deposit in Treasury of trust funds

The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to deposit, in the Treasury of the United States, any and all sums held by him on April 1, 1880, or which may be received by him, as Secretary of the Interior and trustee of various Indian tribes, on account of the redemption of United States bonds, or other stocks and securities belonging to the Indian trust fund, and all sums received on account of sales of Indian trust lands, and the sales of stocks lately purchased for temporary investment, whenever he is of the opinion that the best interests of the Indians will be promoted by such deposits, in lieu of investments; and the United States shall pay interest semiannually, from the date of deposit of any and all such sums in the United States Treasury, at the rate per annum stipulated by treaties or prescribed by law, and such payments shall be made in the usual manner, as each may become due, without further appropriation by Congress.

(Apr. 1, 1880, ch. 41, 21 Stat. 70.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Appropriations

Section 2 of act June 26, 1934, ch. 756, 48 Stat. 1225, which was classified to section 725a of former Title 31, Money and Finance, repealed the permanent appropriation provided for in the last clause of this section under the title "Interest on Indian trust funds" effective July 1, 1935, and provided that such portions of any Acts as make permanent appropriations to be expended under such account are amended so as to authorize, in lieu thereof, annual appropriations from the general fund of the Treasury in identical terms and in such amounts as now provided by the laws providing such permanent appropriations.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

§161a. Tribal funds in trust in Treasury Department; investment by Secretary of the Treasury; maturities; interest; funds held in trust for individual Indians

(a) All funds held in trust by the United States and carried in principal accounts on the books of the United States Treasury to the credit of Indian tribes shall be invested by the Secretary of the Treasury, at the request of the Secretary of the Interior, in public debt securities with maturities suitable to the needs of the fund involved, as determined by the Secretary of the Interior, and bearing interest at rates determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, taking into consideration current market yields on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States of comparable maturities.

(b) All funds held in trust by the United States and carried in principal accounts on the books of the United States Treasury to the credit of individual Indians shall be invested by the Secretary of the Treasury, at the request of the Secretary of the Interior, in public debt securities with maturities suitable to the needs of the fund involved, as determined by the Secretary of the Interior, and bearing interest at rates determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, taking into consideration current market yields on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States of comparable securities.

(Feb. 12, 1929, ch. 178, §1, 45 Stat. 1164; June 13, 1930, ch. 483, 46 Stat. 584; Pub. L. 98–451, Oct. 4, 1984, 98 Stat. 1729; Pub. L. 103–412, title I, §103(a), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4241.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–412 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsec. (b).

1984—Pub. L. 98–451 amended section generally, substituting provisions directing that all funds held in trust by the United States and carried in principal accounts on the books of the United States Treasury to the credit of Indian tribes be invested by the Secretary of the Treasury, at the request of the Secretary of the Interior, in public debt securities with maturities suitable to the needs of the fund involved, as determined by the Secretary of the Interior, and bearing interest at rates determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, taking into consideration current market yields on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States of comparable maturities for provisions which required that all funds with account balances exceeding $500 held in trust by the United States and carried in principal accounts on the books of the Treasury Department to the credit of Indian tribes, upon which interest was not otherwise authorized by law, bear simple interest at the rate of 4 per centum per annum.

1930—Act June 13, 1930, amended section generally.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Pub. L. 103–412, title I, §103(d), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4241, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to interest earned on amounts deposited or invested on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 25, 1994]."

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

§161b. "Indian Money, Proceeds of Labor" fund; separate accounts for respective tribes; rate of interest

All tribal funds arising under section 155 of this title on June 13, 1930, included in the fund "Indian Money, Proceeds of Labor", shall, on and after July 1, 1930, be carried on the books of the Treasury Department in separate accounts for the respective tribes, and all such funds with account balances exceeding $500 shall bear simple interest at the rate of 4 per centum per annum from July 1, 1930.

(Feb. 12, 1929, ch. 178, §2, as added June 13, 1930, ch. 483, 46 Stat. 584.)

§161c. Surplus above requirements of fund; transfer to surplus fund of Treasury; retransfer

The amount held in any tribal fund account which, in the judgment of the Secretary of the Interior, is not required for the purpose for which the fund was created, shall be covered into the surplus fund of the Treasury; and so much thereof as is found to be necessary for such purpose may at any time thereafter be restored to the account on books of the Treasury without appropriation by Congress.

(Feb. 12, 1929, ch. 178, §3, as added June 13, 1930, ch. 483, 46 Stat. 584.)

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

§161d. Disposition of accrued interest

The interest accruing on Indian tribal funds under sections 161a to 161c of this title shall be subject to the same disposition as prescribed by existing law for the respective principal funds.

(Feb. 12, 1929, ch. 178, §4, as added June 13, 1930, ch. 483, 46 Stat. 584.)

§162. Repealed. June 24, 1938, ch. 648, §2, 52 Stat. 1037

Section, act May 25, 1918, ch. 86, §28, 40 Stat. 591, related to segregation, deposit, and investment of tribal funds. See section 162a of this title.

§162a. Deposit of tribal funds in banks; bond or collateral security; investments; collections from irrigation projects; affirmative action required

(a) Deposit of tribal trust funds in banks

The Secretary of the Interior is hereby authorized in his discretion, and under such rules and regulations as he may prescribe, to withdraw from the United States Treasury and to deposit in banks to be selected by him the common or community funds of any Indian tribe which are, or may hereafter be, held in trust by the United States and on which the United States is not obligated by law to pay interest at higher rates than can be procured from the banks. The said Secretary is also authorized, under such rules and regulations as he may prescribe, to withdraw from the United States Treasury and to deposit in banks to be selected by him the funds held in trust by the United States for the benefit of individual Indians: Provided, That no individual Indian money shall be deposited in any bank until the bank shall have agreed to pay interest thereon at a reasonable rate, subject, however, to the regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in the case of member banks, and of the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in the case of insured nonmember banks, except that the payment of interest may be waived in the discretion of the Secretary of the Interior on any deposit which is payable on demand: Provided further, That no tribal or individual Indian money shall be deposited in any bank until the bank shall have furnished an acceptable bond or pledged collateral security therefor in the form of any public-debt obligations of the United States and any bonds, notes, or other obligations which are unconditionally guaranteed as to both interest and principal by the United States, except that no such bond or collateral shall be required to be furnished by any such bank which is entitled to the benefits of section 12B of the Federal Reserve Act, with respect to any deposits of such tribal or individual funds to the extent that such deposits are insured under such section: Provided, however, That nothing contained in this section, or in section 12B of the Federal Reserve Act, shall operate to deprive any Indian having unrestricted funds on deposit in any such bank of the full protection afforded by section 12B of the Federal Reserve Act, irrespective of any interest such Indian may have in any restricted Indian funds on deposit in the same bank to the credit of a disbursing agent of the United States. For the purpose of this section and said Act, said unrestricted funds shall constitute a separate and distinct basis for an insurance claim: Provided further, That the Secretary of the Interior, if he deems it advisable and for the best interest of the Indians, may invest the trust funds of any tribe or individual Indian in any public-debt obligations of the United States and in any bonds, notes, or other obligations which are unconditionally guaranteed as to both interest and principal by the United States: And provided further, That the foregoing shall apply to the funds of the Osage Tribe of Indians, and the individual members thereof, only with respect to the deposit of such funds in banks.

(b) Investment of collections from irrigation projects and power operations on irrigation projects

The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to invest any operation and maintenance collections from Indian irrigation projects and revenue collections from power operations on Indian irrigation projects in—

(1) any public-debt obligations of the United States;

(2) any bonds, notes, or other obligations which are unconditionally guaranteed as to both principal and interest by the United States; or

(3) any obligations which are lawful investments for trust funds under the authority or control of the United States.

The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to use earning ¹ from investments under this subsection to pay operation and maintenance expenses of the project involved.

(c) Investment of tribal trust funds in public debt obligations

(1) Notwithstanding subsection (a), the Secretary of the Interior, at the request of any Indian tribe, in the case of trust funds of such tribe, or any individual Indian, in the case of trust funds of such individual, is authorized to invest such funds, or any part thereof, in guaranteed or public debt obligations of the United States or in a mutual fund, otherwise known as an open-ended diversified investment management company if—

(A) the portfolio of such mutual fund consists entirely of public-debt obligations of the United States, or bonds, notes, or other obligations which are unconditionally guaranteed as to both interest and principal by the United States, or a combination thereof;

(B) the trust funds to be invested exceed $50,000;

(D) the Secretary is satisfied with respect to the security and protection provided by the mutual fund against loss of the principal of such trust funds.

(2) The Secretary, as a condition to complying with a request pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection, is authorized to require such tribe or individual Indian, as the case may be, to enter into an agreement with the Secretary for the purpose of relieving the United States of any liability in connection with the interest, or amount thereof, payable in connection with such trust funds so invested during the period of that investment.

(3) Investments pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be deemed to be the same as cash or a bank deposit for purposes of section 955 of this title.²

(d) Trust responsibilities of Secretary of the Interior

The Secretary's proper discharge of the trust responsibilities of the United States shall include (but are not limited to) the following:

(1) Providing adequate systems for accounting for and reporting trust fund balances.

(2) Providing adequate controls over receipts and disbursements.

(3) Providing periodic, timely reconciliations to assure the accuracy of accounts.

(4) Determining accurate cash balances.

(5) Preparing and supplying account holders with periodic statements of their account performance and with balances of their account which shall be available on a daily basis.

(6) Establishing consistent, written policies and procedures for trust fund management and accounting.

(7) Providing adequate staffing, supervision, and training for trust fund management and accounting.

(8) Appropriately managing the natural resources located within the boundaries of Indian reservations and trust lands.

(June 24, 1938, ch. 648, §1, 52 Stat. 1037; Pub. L. 98–146, title I, Nov. 4, 1983, 97 Stat. 929; Pub. L. 101–644, title III, §302, Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4667; Pub. L. 103–412, title I, §§101, 103(b), (c), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4240, 4241.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 12B of the Federal Reserve Act, referred to in subsec. (a), formerly classified to section 264 of Title 12, Banks and Banking, has been withdrawn from the Federal Reserve Act and incorporated in the Federal Deposit Insurance Act which is classified to chapter 16 (§1811 et seq.) of Title 12.

Section 955 of this title, referred to in subsec. (c)(3), which related to tax exemptions for equalization allotments and cash payments received in lieu thereof by members of the Agua Caliente Band, was omitted from the Code as being of special and not general application.

Amendments

1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–412, §103(b), inserted "to withdraw from the United States Treasury and" after "prescribe," in second sentence.

Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 103–412, §103(c), redesignated subsec. (b), relating to investment of trust funds, as (c).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 103–412, §101, added subsec. (d).

1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–644, which directed the designation of existing provisions as subsec. (a) and the addition of subsec. (b), was executed by adding subsec. (b) relating to investment of trust funds. See 1983 Amendment note below.

1983—Pub. L. 98–146 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsec. (b).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Repeal of Inconsistent Provisions and Construction With Other Laws

Act June 24, 1938, ch. 648, §2, 52 Stat. 1037, repealed act May 25, 1918, ch. 86, §28, 40 Stat. 591, which was contained in former section 162 of this title, and all other inconsistent acts.

Act June 24, 1938, ch. 648, §3, 52 Stat. 1038, provided: "Nothing contained in this act shall be construed as affecting the provisions of the Federal Reserve Act or regulations issued thereunder relating to the payment of interest on deposits."

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

¹ So in original. Probably should be "earnings".

² See References in Text note below.

§163. Roll of membership of Indian tribes

The Secretary of the Interior is authorized, wherever in his discretion such action would be for the best interest of the Indians, to cause a final roll to be made of the membership of any Indian tribe; such rolls shall contain the ages and quantum of Indian blood, and when approved by the said Secretary are declared to constitute the legal membership of the respective tribes for the purpose of segregating the tribal funds as provided in section 162 ¹ of this title, and shall be conclusive both as to ages and quantum of Indian blood: Provided, That the foregoing shall not apply to the Five Civilized Tribes or to the Osage Tribe of Indians, or to the Chippewa Indians of Minnesota, or the Menominee Indians of Wisconsin.

(June 30, 1919, ch. 4, §1, 41 Stat. 9.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 162 of this title, referred to in text, was repealed by act June 24, 1938, ch. 648, §2, 52 Stat. 1037. See section 162a of this title.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

¹ See References in Text note below.

§164. Restoration to tribal ownership of unclaimed per capita and other individual payments of tribal trust funds; deposit in general fund of the Treasury

Unless otherwise specifically provided by law, the share of an individual member of an Indian tribe or group in a per capita or other distribution, individualization, segregation, or proration of Indian tribal or group funds held in trust by the United States, or in an annuity payment under a treaty, heretofore or hereafter authorized by law, and any interest earned on such share that is properly creditable to the individual shall be restored to tribal ownership if for any reason such share cannot be paid to the individual entitled thereto and remains unclaimed for a period of six years from the date of the administrative directive to make the payment, or one year from September 22, 1961, whichever occurs later: Provided, That if such individual is a member of an Indian tribe or group that has no governing body recognized by the Secretary of the Interior as authorized to act on behalf of the tribe or group, such unpaid share and interest shall be regarded as not capable of restoration to a tribal or group entity and shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury of the United States.

(Pub. L. 87–283, §1, Sept. 22, 1961, 75 Stat. 584.)

§165. Notice to Congressional committees

The Secretary shall not restore to tribal ownership or deposit in the general fund of the Treasury any funds pursuant to section 164 of this title and this section until sixty calendar days (exclusive of days on which either the Senate or the House of Representatives is not in session because of an adjournment of more than three days to a day certain) after he has submitted notice of his proposed action to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives unless each of said committees has theretofore notified him that it has no objection to the proposed action.

(Pub. L. 87–283, §2, Sept. 22, 1961, 75 Stat. 584; Pub. L. 103–437, §10(b), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4589.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–437 substituted "Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives" for "Committees on Interior and Insular Affairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives".

§166. Applicability of chapter 10 of title 5

The activities of the Department of the Interior associated with the Department's consultation with Indian tribes and organizations related to the management of funds held in trust by the United States for Indian tribes shall be exempt from chapter 10 of title 5.

(Pub. L. 103–435, §19, Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4574; Pub. L. 117–286, §4(a)(180), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4325.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Pub. L. 117–286 substituted "chapter 10 of title 5" for "Federal Advisory Committee Act" in section catchline and "chapter 10 of title 5." for "the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.)." in text.

§167. Trust status of lease payments

(a) Definition of Secretary

In this section, the term "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Interior.

(b) Treatment of lease payments

(1) In general

Except as provided in paragraph (2) and at the request of the Indian tribe or individual Indian, any advance payments, bid deposits, or other earnest money received by the Secretary in connection with the review and Secretarial approval under any other Federal law (including regulations) of a sale, lease, permit, or any other conveyance of any interest in any trust or restricted land of any Indian tribe or individual Indian shall, upon receipt and prior to Secretarial approval of the contract or conveyance instrument, be held in the trust fund system for the benefit of the Indian tribe and individual Indian from whose land the funds were generated.

(2) Restriction

If the advance payment, bid deposit, or other earnest money received by the Secretary results from competitive bidding, upon selection of the successful bidder, only the funds paid by the successful bidder shall be held in the trust fund system.

(c) Use of funds

(1) In general

On the approval of the Secretary of a contract or other instrument for a sale, lease, permit, or any other conveyance described in subsection (b)(1), the funds held in the trust fund system and described in subsection (b), along with all income generated from the investment of those funds, shall be disbursed to the Indian tribe or individual Indian landowners.

(2) Administration

If a contract or other instrument for a sale, lease, permit, or any other conveyance described in subsection (b)(1) is not approved by the Secretary, the funds held in the trust fund system and described in subsection (b), along with all income generated from the investment of those funds, shall be paid to the party identified in, and in such amount and on such terms as set out in, the applicable regulations, advertisement, or other notice governing the proposed conveyance of the interest in the land at issue.

(d) Applicability

This section shall apply to any advance payment, bid deposit, or other earnest money received by the Secretary in connection with the review and Secretarial approval under any other Federal law (including regulations) of a sale, lease, permit, or any other conveyance of any interest in any trust or restricted land of any Indian tribe or individual Indian on or after December 18, 2018.

(Pub. L. 115–325, title II, §207, Dec. 18, 2018, 132 Stat. 4464.)